Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has urged multinational companies in Bengaluru to prioritise Kannadigas during recruitment and create more jobs for local youth.
Speaking after inaugurating a multinational retailer’s store in Bengaluru on Thursday, Shivakumar called for greater support for local industries. He specifically urged the Swedish furniture retailer to source products from Karnataka manufacturers and expand local employment.
“Small enterprises in Karnataka can manufacture quality furniture. Utilise and encourage them. Through this, give higher priority to Karnataka and provide more employment to Kannadigas in the organisation,” he said.
Furthermore, Shivakumar highlighted the state’s efforts to attract global investors. He said Karnataka had created several opportunities for international businesses.
“Our youth are talented and cultured and possess the marketing skills to attract customers,” he said. He also urged the company to strengthen its relationship with Karnataka and provide more jobs to local candidates.
Shivakumar Kannadigas recruitment appeal amid KRV campaign
The Chief Minister’s appeal comes amid a campaign by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV). The organisation, led by state president T.A. Narayana Gowda, began visiting IT companies and technology parks across Bengaluru on November 1.
The campaign coincided with Kannada Rajyotsava. It follows social media videos and allegations that Kannada-speaking candidates face discrimination during campus recruitment and hiring.
As part of the campaign, KRV activists are approaching companies and seeking employment-related information. Their memorandums request details about total employees, Kannadiga representation and recruitment criteria.
Additionally, the organisation wants companies to share recruitment trends from the past three years. It has also sought details about local internship and training programmes.
The delegations have approached several companies in Mahadevapura and other business centres. KRV claims its activists have visited around 300 IT-BT companies so far.
The organisation plans to submit the collected information to Shivakumar in December.
KRV deploys teams to collect employment data
Narayana Gowda said the organisation had deployed 10 teams, each comprising 10 members, for the campaign. According to him, each team visits around 10 companies daily.
He claimed Kannadiga representation varied significantly across companies. The figures ranged from 7-8 per cent to 20-25 per cent, while only three or four companies reported representation of around 40 per cent.
However, these figures represent claims made by the organisation and have not been independently verified.
Narayana Gowda also rejected criticism of the campaign. He accused former business leader Mohandas Pai of attempting to undermine the movement through comments on X.
The KRV president said the organisation had been pursuing the issue for 27 years. He added that the campaign would continue despite opposition.
“There is no question of stopping this movement. I appeal to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar not to come under pressure from IT companies. This is a question of the livelihood of Kannadiga youth,” he said.
Mohandas Pai raises concerns over Bengaluru’s business climate
The campaign has triggered mixed reactions across Karnataka. Supporters argue that local youth deserve greater access to employment in the state’s IT sector.
Meanwhile, concerns have emerged over how activists approach companies and seek workforce information.
Pai has urged people to protect Karnataka’s business environment and Bengaluru’s position as a global technology hub. He opposed what he described as hate-mongering over Kannadiga employment.
Citing Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, Pai said Karnataka’s unemployment rate stood at 2.3 per cent. He put youth unemployment at 10.3 per cent.
He also highlighted Karnataka’s technology ecosystem, citing more than 67,000 IT companies and 23,000 startups. The state has 56 unicorns and over 27 lakh technology professionals, he said.
Pai attributed the state’s growth to 35 years of collective efforts by successive governments and industry leaders. He urged stakeholders to focus on creating quality jobs rather than damaging investment sentiment.
The debate has brought local employment priorities and Bengaluru’s business environment into focus. Companies now face calls to expand opportunities for Kannadigas while maintaining their recruitment practices and investment plans.
